I read in the paper today that Ruth Bernhard, the celebrated photographer, passed away in her home in San Francisco at the age of 101. I know of Ms. Bernhard and her work from my studies at Vermont College. In my third semester my study was centered around an overview of art, artists and creating my own art. My dear advisor, Charlotte Hastings, who knew I wanted to explore individuals who not only crafted beautiful art but a rich and meaningful life,  sent me a book about Ms. Bernhard written by Margaretta K. Mitchell entitled Ruth Bernhard: Between Art and Life. I found the photography striking and unusual. She was renowned for her beautiful and sensitive female nudes in black and white. She was also a beloved teacher and mentor to hundreds (maybe thousands) of young photographers.

In reading about her, as much as I was impressed with her art and dedication to teaching, I was even more so with her philosophy of life and her willingness to walk a daring and controversial path as a woman in the early twentieth century. She never married or had children, understanding that to have a family would be a compromise to her art and that she would consider friends, students and colleagues as her "family." After reading her book for my study, I wrote a short piece for my e-letter about her and included her Recipe for a Long and Happy Life. I print it below and include some photos of hers. If you’d like to read more and see more of her photos you can go to the Women in Photography web site.

Recipe for a Long and Happy Life

Last night I was looking through a book about the photographer, Ruth Bernard, who at the time (1999) was 95 years old and still teaching, exhibiting and vitally involved in producing art. Her story and her work are inspirational. I was also thinking about when a friend and I were watching a video about another artist and my friend asked, “Why are all artists so crazy?” I found myself contemplating what it takes to really give yourself to your art and how it is different for every individual. How, each individual has circumstances and choices that influence how they approach life and art. It is certainly true that great poetry, novels, paintings and performances can be created even though the artist is a tortured soul, but it is also true that an artist can produce dynamic work and live happily. Perhaps the latter takes more vigilance, patience, attention to nurturing other aspects of one’s life besides one’s art. Perhaps it is a compromise or, perhaps, simply the grace of God.

Ruth Bernard is an example of someone who certainly lived an unconventional life, but it was one she carved out for herself, one that was particularly suited for who she was and how she wanted to navigate the world. She never married nor had children. She found that the love she so valued could be found among friends, lovers, sharing her knowledge with students. She decided not to confine herself to society’s dictums and to trust her intuition and to “fall madly in love with the world.”

Below is Ruth’s Recipe for a Long and Happy Life. I found it inspiring and plan to refer to it often, especially when I am in one of those emotional valleys that come along every so often.

Recipe for a Long and Happy Life

1.  Never get used to anything.
2.  Hold on to the child in you.
3.  Keep your curiosity alive.
4.  Trust your intuition.
5.  Delight in simple things.
6.  Say “Yes” to life with passion.
7.  Fall madly in love with the world.
8.  Remember: Today is the Day!

Folding 

Straws 

Trees Walking